Recommend replacement skimmer for 300g tank

[Sethjamto]

Looking to change things up on my tank. I'm getting rid of my MRC MR4 external skimmer and want to go to an internal skimmer to free up some space under my tank.

What would ya'll recommend for a quality internal skimmer in the 5-$600 price range (max) for a moderately stocked 300g reef?

 

[goreef170]

Reef Octopus Elite Int. 220.

 

[scooter31707]

Check out the Simplicity models. I have the 540dc on my 240 and I love it. Very powerful, quiet, and built well.

 

[Jayreefer]

I have an RLSS r10i that has been the best skimmer I have owned. Came from an older model Octopus skimmer before hand. It is running on my 240 DT with 2 40b sump/fudge.

The simplicity seems to be a copy of the RLSS models.

I also considered the octopus 220 elite and my dream skimmer would be a BK double cone.

 

[FirstContact]

I was just looking at the ATI Powercone 250i at AquaCave. It has 2,000-3,000 lph air draw! Runs about $600.

 

[ericarenee]

I have a skimz sm201.. its heading into two years old now and has worked flawless. Well built easy to adjust and never overflows without a user caused situation.. I have took its pump apart twice to check and clean it and it sill works and looks like new.. i have the ac power eden 5000 pump . not the older version where there was some impeller magnet issues from what i read. It just works and is cheaper them some of the other skimmers in its range
BRS HAS some good reviews and video on many of the current high end skimmer models . might be a good idea to check them out and youtube as well..

 

[trueperc]

Personally if I were to do it over again for my 300, I would go lifereef with a jebao pump. There is a good size thread on lifereef skimmers and near the end a lot seem to have success with using this dc pump. One thing to consider, replacement pumps. I have had to replace a pump on my RO Diablo skimmer once and the new pumps are around $300. With Lifereed skimmers you can use what ever pump. Just my 2 cents.

 

[soulpatch]

second life reef. I will never go another route after all the success I have had with mine.

 

[FirstContact]

I have a Skimz SK222. I think a replacement Eden 5000 runs about $150 from BRS. If I was buying today it would have to be a DC pump. They pull a lot more air lph than the AC pumps.

As it is, I'm very happy with my Skimz and don't foresee replacing it for many more years to come. Been running it since around 2011 without issues.

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

I would recommend AquaC EV 400 with a jebao/jecod dct 10,000 or 12,000. If you want a needlewheel go with RLSS they have the best needlewheel. I personaly own an AquaC and a lifereef with the mazzei and the AquaC is better. I have owned numerous brands and the 3 I mentioned are the best In my experience.

 

[FirstContact]

I would recommend AquaC EV 400 with a jebao/jecod dct 10,000 or 12,000. If you want a needlewheel go with RLSS they have the best needlewheel. I personaly own an AquaC and a lifereef with the mazzei and the AquaC is better. I have owned numerous brands and the 3 I mentioned are the best In my experience.

Didn't you ever have problems on the Aqua C with the spray injector nozzle clogging? I used to read about them back in the day when they were more popular and that was a common and frequent complaint. Also, aren't the neck sizes of the collection cups kind of small compared to where the industry has gone?

 

[Pablos RSM 450]

Didn't you ever have problems on the Aqua C with the spray injector nozzle clogging? I used to read about them back in the day when they were more popular and that was a common and frequent complaint. Also, aren't the neck sizes of the collection cups kind of small compared to where the industry has gone?

No. i havent I ordered some spare nozzles just in case but no issues. Here is avideo on both skimmers.

https://youtu.be/AJaZw-MD5-E

 

[FirstContact]

Looks like some good foaming action! I think the spare nozzles was a great idea for long term use.

 

[Sethjamto]

Thanks for the input guys! I'll check these out online and see what I come up with!

 

[bigzman]

I ordered a regal 300 int from reef octopus with neck cleaner and next extension. I have a 330.

 

[Mishri]

Yeah, i just got in my Regal 250-int for my 300 gallon.. tank still isn't up and running, but people say it works really well. (The thing is huge).. one of the local reefers recently set his up and he says it's really good, much better than his old one (I forgot to ask what he had before)

 

[justindinh24]

vertex 120 will do job for u

 

[bigzman]

I looked into the 250 but was not sure on rating as it was rated for 300 gallon on heavy bioload. I plan to add a 90 gallon frag tank later

 

[xRAWRx28]

I have the bubble magus D9 86: a monster with a really quiet pump

 

[Sethjamto]

I have the bubble magus D9 86: a monster with a really quiet pump

I went with the Curve a9. Finally got it in and set up this morning.